Florinda always participates in the Weekend Assignment and while I'm not quite sure of the rules, I decided to jump in this week because I really like this topic! Also, my brain is fried and I need some writing prompts!
Here it is:
Weekend Assignment: #281: Who has a greater impact on your decision to go to a movie or watch a tv show, the actors you see on the screen, or the behind the scenes writers, producers and/or directors?
Extra Credit: Who is your favorite actor?
The truth is, the writers, producers, and/or directors probably have the most consistent impact. While I am definitely attached to certain actors and actresses, when I hear a certain creative mind is behind a project I am automatically curious. This is especially true for television. For me, the name Joss Whedon inspires ridiculous loyalty. J.J. Abrams, Rob Thomas, Eric Kripke, Howard Gordon, David Fury, Jane Espenson, Damon Lindelof, Carlton Cuse, Tim Minear, Bryan Fuller....all those names will make me take notice.
I can't think of any favorite directors offhand, but I would probably see anything Sofia Ford Coppola directed. Did you know she is the only American woman to have been nominated for an Oscar for best director? And did you know that only three women have ever been nominated? Hollywood does at times seem quite out of balance.
There are certain actors and actresses I am quite loyal to as well and it usually has to do with them having been in a TV show I loved fiercely. The best example I have is Keri Russell who for the most part has made good choices post-Felicity. But seriously does anyone not absolutely adore her? Kristen Bell, much as I loved Veronica Mars, seems to be gravitating towards those raunchy comedies and Sarah Michelle Gellar has been horribly typecast for B horror movies, it seems.
So my long rambling answer is that the creative minds behind the shows are more likely to grab my attention but yes I will also see some movies for the actors and actresses. I'll probably watch just about anything with Johnny Depp, Will Smith, or Ryan Gosling.
For the extra credit portion of this assignment, I must decline. I haven't got just one.
This was fun!
16 comments:
Ryan is such a hottie! LOVE Wil Smith. I'm also really starting to enjoy Jamie Foxx. I love Rachel McAdams, Scarlett Johansen and Julia Roberts.
Sheri
I, too, will watch anything Johnny Depp-esque. I can't help it. And Sofia fascinates. There are some interesting women directors abounding at this time. Let's hope the awards folks soon take notice.
Oh! Did you see Keri Russell in Waitress? That was the cutest, most clever movie...if you like her, you would adore that movie. I'm a mixed bag on this one. Yes I do love Mr. Gosling and Mr. Depp. They could just sit there and say nothing, and I would be adequately entertained. And Edward Norton. There are a handful of directors that are extremely talented, but without a great screenplay, well, they can only do so much. I'd say more than anything, I am convinced to see a movie by a combination of everything, plus rave reviews, a premise that I can relate to, and whether I can get a babysitter. Ha!
It's the story. Always the story. I have my favourite actors, but I won't go to see something just because x is in it, or x directed it.
I'm totally with you on Sophia Coppola though. The Virgin Suicides and Lost in Translation are two of my favourite films. Marie Antoinette was a little bit on the vacuous side, however.
I was thinking about this question and realized that neither really decides it for me, although I will admit to seeing anything with Johnny Depp in it. I'm much more interested in the story/genre of a film or TV show, not necessarily who is in it or who wrote/directed it. Maybe if I was more of a movie buff.
I'm probably the opposite. As much as I read, I don't pay too much attention to who is writing what scripts, etc. I have a few actors who I seem to trust to do really great projects, and will more often than not get out to see their movies. But then I also not a huge tv watcher or movie goer either.
I do love some actors, but I think the writing is what ultimately makes a movie or TV show. I don't think the writers get enough credit for what they do.
I like how you chose producers from the Buffy team. ;)
I admit that the actors in movies will determine whether I'll go see it or not. Mostly because I see their faces more and their names are more reconginizable. I don't know any screenwriters off hand, so I couldn't base a movie decision on them. As for directors, I love Martin Scorsese films and will see movies for him alone.
One of my favorite actresses in Nicole Kidman. I will always watch one of her films. However, I will not see a Jennifer Aniston or Meg Ryan movie. I can't stand it when actresses look like themselves in movies; it doesn't feel like I'm watching a character any more.
I'm SO glad you joined in on this one! If you get a minute, would you please go over to Karen's post (you have the link up there already) and leave her a comment/link to yours? She'll be really glad to know someone new participated this week.
When I mentioned Joss Whedon in my own answer to this, I thought of you :-).
Hey Amy! I have an award for you! Have a great day!
http://bookblabbing.blogspot.com/2009/08/waiting-on-wednesday.html
This is a great topic! I'm not even sure which side I lean toward. I tend to gravitate toward the story regardless of the names associated with the move. Although when I hear certain names, I can't help but scream out: "I have to see that!" Of those names Johnny Depp, Tim Burton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Julie Roberts, and Amy Adams come to mind (but the list is much longer than that in reality). I guess there are a lot of stars I'm really loyal to.
I definitely notice who's in a movie before I take note of who wrote or directed it. But both are important. And I'm always impressed to find out that an actor also directed a movie, or wrote the screenplay for it.
Terrific post!
I will also see pretty much anything with Joss Whedon's name attached to it. But for the most part I'm not really aware of the writers and production people behind TV shows and movies, although I'm sure they make more of an impact on the final product than the actors/actresses do.
I will see pretty much anything with Hugh Jackman or John Cusack in it. I'm just mildly obsessed with John Cusack. Oh, and Christopher Gorham is my pretend boyfriend, so I have to watch everything he's ever been in.
Hi, Amy, and welcome to the Weekend Assignments! I have to smile at the names of the Buffy writers and producers on your list; I, too, am always pleased when Minear or Espenson is associated with a show. I'll have to check out the few names on your list that I don't recognize. (I also need to memorize the names of the Dead Like Me / Wonderfalls / Pushing Daisies writers.)
Thanks for playing along with the Weekend Assignment! I hope you'll participate again soon.
Hi, welcome to the Weekend Assignment. Always good to see (hear) a new face.
I'm in agreement with you, and know almost all the people you mentioned. Sounds like you enjoy some good shows. :)
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